TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — American Christian Academy left-handed pitcher Andrew Jackson III has found his college home, committing to Auburn after establishing himself as one of the top young baseball prospects in the Tuscaloosa area.
Jackson, a two-way prospect who pitches and plays the outfield for American Christian Academy, announced his commitment to Auburn on Sept. 29 via his X account.
The junior, listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, is ranked No. 126 overall in the 2028 class by Perfect Game and continues to emerge as one of Alabama’s top young left-handed pitchers.
Jackson told Tide 100.9 that what made Auburn stand out was his relationship with pitching coach Everett Teaford, who was hired in June 2023. Since Teaford’s arrival, Auburn’s pitching staff has made significant strides, finishing the 2026 season ranked No. 6 nationally with a 3.69 ERA after ranking among the nation’s top 25 in several pitching categories the previous season.
The Auburn commit also highlighted a change of scenery and already having family in Lee County as another factor in his decision to commit to the Tigers.
“Really, the biggest thing was obviously the relationship with Coach Teaford,” Jackson said. “But having some family down there and everything, and just being able to move out of Tuscaloosa, because I feel like that’ll be the best decision for me.”
Auburn’s recent track record of developing pitchers, along with the opportunity to contribute early, played a major role in Jackson’s decision. The Tigers have shown a willingness to trust young arms under Teaford, including Andreas Alvarez, who made nine starts as a true freshman in 2025 and struck out nine batters in his collegiate debut, the most by an Auburn freshman since 2014.
The Tigers have also continued sending pitchers to the professional ranks, with five Auburn pitchers selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. That combination of early opportunity and professional development stood out to the left-handed pitcher.
“I think that Coach Teaford can really help me be a big leaguer,” Jackson said. “That’s really the big focus of going. Obviously, being able to play as a freshman and everything, but just becoming a big leaguer.”
Jackson has already pushed his fastball above 90 mph, placing him in the 98.83rd percentile for velocity among prospects in his class, according to Perfect Game.
Prep Baseball clocked him as high as 92 mph at the 2026 Future Games. He also features a deep arsenal, including a two-seam fastball, four-seam fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. When asked about his most reliable pitch, Jackson highlighted his curveball, which Prep Baseball lists at 79-84 mph.
“My best pitch that I can count on usually all the time is really my curveball,” Jackson said. “I can throw it in any part of the count.”
Jackson said Auburn’s coaching staff has been particularly impressed with the movement on his fastball, which Prep Baseball has recorded at 2,781 rpm. His curveball has also caught Auburn’s attention, giving Jackson two reliable pitches to build around as he continues to develop.
The left-hander is more than just a pitching prospect. Jackson has also shown ability at the plate and in the outfield, with an average exit velocity of 88.9 mph and an outfield throwing velocity of 89 mph.
That part of his game will not disappear at Auburn, as Jackson said the Tigers plan to give him an opportunity to continue playing both ways as a pitcher and outfielder.
“They will let me play outfield and pitcher,” Jackson said.
Jackson said improving offensively remains one of his biggest priorities before he arrives on campus. While he has already developed into a legitimate two-way prospect, he still wants to become a more complete hitter.
“Probably being able to swing the bat,” Jackson said when asked what part of his game he still wants to develop. “Just becoming a better two-way player and outfielder and everything, just becoming bigger, faster and hitting bombs.”
Although Jackson has already settled his recruitment, he still has plenty of development ahead before beginning his Auburn career. He knows the commitment is only one step in his development before he gets to Auburn.
“It just lets you know how good you can be, but obviously a lot of things can change in a year and a half, I guess, until I get there,” Jackson said. “So just really staying and working hard and just staying on the right path and getting better every day will just help me out.”
When Jackson arrives on campus, he wants to establish himself as more than just another player on Auburn’s roster. When asked what excites him most about eventually playing at Plainsman Park, Jackson said he hopes to develop a reputation where fans immediately recognize what he brings to the field.
“Just being known as like, ‘There goes that kid,’ and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “And just being that dude out there on that field.”
Jackson’s connection to Auburn also goes beyond baseball. When asked what he wanted Auburn fans to know about him before he eventually arrives on campus, Jackson made his allegiance clear.
“I was born an Auburn Tiger,” Jackson said. “And I’ll fight and win for the Auburn Tigers.”
Jackson will now turn his attention back to American Christian Academy, where he has more high school baseball ahead before eventually moving to the Plains. He is also finishing out his junior year in football as the starting quarterback for an undefeated Patriots team aiming to win the blue map in the Double-A classification this season.
Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide coverage.
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